COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Transportation Security Administration has named Tom Rice, the federal security director (FSD) in Columbus, as the agency’s FSD of the Year for the Eastern Region, distinguishing him among 125 peers. The award recognizes the FSD who makes significant contributions in providing operational direction for federal security, demonstrating integrity and innovation while adding value to other airports and agencies nationwide.

A massive snowstorm in Denver caused nationwide flight delays and cancellations the weekend of December 22, 2006. These disruptions caused longer than usual wait times at the Denver airport and airports with Denver connections, and passengers were at risk of not making it to their holiday destinations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration announced today the graduation of 10 teams from its National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. The teams will be assigned to airports in Denver; Miami; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Houston, and to the mass transit system in San Francisco.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration today announced the selection of Robert J. Chiaradio as general manager for operational plans and programs. Chiaradio’s responsibilities include the oversight and management of a multitude of security-related issues including screening operations, the national deployment and program planning offices, regulatory compliance, and training programs and procedures.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration today named Kathleen (Lenz) Petrowsky as the acting federal security director for Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Petrowsky has been serving as the deputy federal security director for O’Hare since August 2005. In her new role, she will oversee all TSA operations at O’Hare airport.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to vastly strengthen the security of the nation’s rail systems in the highest threat urban areas. The proposed rule is part of a package of new security measures that will require freight rail carriers to ensure 100 percent positive hand-off of Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) materials, establish security protocols for custody transfers of TIH rail cars in the high threat urban areas, and appoint a rail security coordinator to share information with the federal government, as well as formalizing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) freight and passenger rail inspection authority.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration today named Mark K. Haught, Gerald D. Chapman and David Beecroft as its three area directors to oversee transportation security at airports and in other modes of transportation for the Eastern, Central and Western Areas, respectively.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration today named Mike Golden as assistant administrator, Operational Process and Technology. In this role, Golden will serve as the agency’s Chief Technology Officer overseeing the implementation and development of security technologies across several modes of transportation.